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Spring Carnival: A wonderful time was had by all

For a few hours on Saturday, May 22, the clouds parted and the sun was shining on the Friday Harbor Elementary School playground just in time for students, their families and many in our community to enjoy the booths, food, huge inflatables and excitement of the PTA's Spring Carnival.

The crowd was large, the smiles were plenty, prizes were abundant and a wonderful time was had by all.

Without the help of many parents, businesses, community volunteers and organizations, this special day would not have been possible. Tami Ashcraft, with the help of Brad Smith, headed up the food booth, which was once again sponsored by the San Juan Masonic Lodge No. 175, which covered all food costs. Tireless lodge members Ed Ashcraft and John Kurtz grilled up hundreds of hot dogs and hamburgers. David Waldron brought his cotton candy machine and Island Ice donated enough ice for more than 300 snow cones. Juan's Detailing provided our lively music and the San Juan Island Community Foundation contributed to the rental costs of the ever-popular inflatables.

Andy Urbach and his work crew hauled in chairs provided by the Fair Board and John Pachuta was our friendly Bubble Clown. Three Dollars for Scholars students — Shondala Scott, Hannah Eshelman and Rebecca Leff — spent hours scooping up snow cones and painting faces. Our thanks also go out to Osito's, The Toy Box, Printonyx and the 4-H Astronomy Club for providing us with a gooey mess for so many to enjoy.

Finally, there were the countless parents, brothers, sisters and teachers who volunteered their time and energy to build and run booths, oversee inflatables, clean up and set up, create signs, help with advertising, sell tickets and food, paint faces, and on and on. Without all of you, the carnival would not have been possible and I thank you.

We are lucky to live in a community where so many are willing to give so much and the children of Friday Harbor truly benefit from your generosity.

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